Anchored with April Vokey

Tad Murdock is a fly fisher, guide, and author whose 25-year mission to catch every salmonid species on the fly eventually became his book Trout of the World: A Fly Fisher’s Journey to Catch Every Salmonid Species. What began in Oklahoma City at age 25 turned into a global pursuit that took him from New Mexico and Japan to Russia, Morocco, Turkey, and beyond, chasing some of the rarest and most geographically isolated trout and salmonids on the planet.

In this episode of Anchored, Tad and I talk about how he defined the challenge using genetics and species classification, some of the most difficult and memorable fish he encountered along the way, the process of documenting and self-publishing the book, and the conservation concerns facing several of the world’s rarest trout species.

Looking to go deeper with your learning? Come see what we’ve been working on at AnchoredOutdoors.com. We’ve built a library of 30 in-depth, sequentially organized Masterclasses taught by past guests of this podcast — and we’ve watched over 1,000 members grow their confidence and skills on the water. Want to check it out for free? No money down, no strings attached. Just head to anchoredoutdoors.com/premium-insiders/

Anchored listeners can get 10% off their first order with Skwala by using the code “anchored10” at check out. See for yourself at skwalafishing.com

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Pat Kelly is a fly-fishing guide, fly tier, and lifelong angler whose path has taken him from childhood fishing in Ohio to saltwater, carp, smallmouth bass, and eventually a deep obsession with muskie on the fly. After nearly two decades in the fly-fishing industry, he recently launched Warm Water Anglers, where he is now focused on guiding, education, fly tying, and helping anglers better understand the warm-water fisheries he has spent years exploring.

In this episode of Anchored, Pat and I talk about his early introduction to fishing, the evolution of his muskie flies using Bob Popovics’ hollow tying techniques, the growth of warm-water fly fishing, conservation concerns in Ohio, some of the major personal challenges that shaped his life, and what led him to finally step out on his own.

Looking to go deeper with your learning? Come see what we’ve been working on at AnchoredOutdoors.com. We’ve built a library of 30 in-depth, sequentially organized Masterclasses taught by past guests of this podcast — and we’ve watched over 1,000 members grow their confidence and skills on the water. Want to check it out for free? No money down, no strings attached. Just head to anchoredoutdoors.com/premium-insiders/

Anchored listeners can get 10% off their first order with Skwala by using the code “anchored10” at check out. See for yourself at skwalafishing.com 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Josh Murphy is a filmmaker whose path from fisheries biology and action-sports films to environmental documentaries has been anything but conventional. His work includes Artifishal, Purple Mountains, The Scale of Hope, and a recent Netflix film exploring plastics and human health, with stories that tackle everything from wild salmon and climate change to mental health and community-led conservation. 

In this episode of Anchored, Josh and I talk about his early fascination with water and Jacques Cousteau, his transition into filmmaking, his work with Patagonia, the emotional weight of documentary storytelling, and why he believes powerful films should do more than entertain... they should give people a reason to care and a way to act.

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In this episode of Anchored, I sit down with Michael Rebholz to discuss Bonker Spey, his controversial approach to Spey casting that uses a rod-borne anchor by draping the line over the rod.... and then some.

Michael explains how he developed the technique, why he believes it can be especially effective in strong wind and when casting heavy flies, and how the fly-casting community responded when he first introduced it.

Our conversation expands well beyond Bonkerspey. We explore Michael’s theory on casting panic, the psychology behind learning to cast, the limitations of traditional instruction, and whether the sport needs to reconsider how casting is taught. 

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Today I'm joined by filmmakers Jesse Males and Koji Sumalde, the creative duo behind some of the most cinematic storytelling in fly fishing today. Together, they've built a reputation for capturing the people, places, and moments that make our sport so compelling—from remote steelhead rivers to Florida's Nature Coast. In this episode, we talk about their journey into filmmaking, the realities of working in outdoor media, what makes a great story, and the behind-the-scenes adventures that come with chasing it. I hope you enjoy this conversation.

Looking to go deeper with your learning? Come see what we’ve been working on at AnchoredOutdoors.com. We’ve built a library of 30 in-depth, sequentially organized Masterclasses taught by past guests of this podcast — and we’ve watched over 1,000 members grow their confidence and skills on the water. Want to check it out for free? No money down, no strings attached. Just head to anchoredoutdoors.com/premium-insiders/

Anchored listeners can get 10% off their first order with Skwala by using the code “anchored10” at check out. See for yourself at skwalafishing.com 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Anchored, I’m joined by Adrian Cortes, a passionate steelheader, hand fly tyer, and critical care nurse whose approach to fly fishing is as thoughtful as it is unconventional. Born in the Philippines and now based in the Pacific Northwest, Adrian has become known for tying intricate flies entirely by hand—without a vise—and for his deep appreciation of traditional steelhead fishing, bamboo rods, and the history of the craft. In this conversation, we dive into his journey, his philosophy, and why slowing down might just make us better anglers. I hope you enjoy this one.

Looking to go deeper with your learning? Come see what we’ve been working on at AnchoredOutdoors.com. We’ve built a library of 30 in-depth, sequentially organized Masterclasses taught by past guests of this podcast — and we’ve watched over 1,000 members grow their confidence and skills on the water. Want to check it out for free? No money down, no strings attached. Just head to anchoredoutdoors.com/premium-insiders/

Anchored listeners can get 10% off their first order with Skwala by using the code “anchored10” at check out. See for yourself at skwalafishing.com 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, I sit down with Mike Lawson — a legendary guide, fly tyer, educator, and one of the founding forces behind Henry’s Fork Anglers. What began in the early 1970s as a young schoolteacher tying flies at the kitchen table with his wife Sheralee eventually grew into one of the most iconic fly fishing businesses in the world.

Mike shares the story of building Henry’s Fork Anglers from the ground up — the lean early years, the friendships and mentors that shaped him, the explosion of fly fishing after A River Runs Through It, and the deep family roots behind a business that has now spanned nearly fifty years. We talk about guiding, fly tying, loyalty, legacy, and what it really means to dedicate your life to rivers, people, and the craft of fly fishing.

This conversation is thoughtful, nostalgic, and full of hard-earned wisdom from someone who helped shape modern fly fishing as we know it.

You may have noticed me wearing Skwala fishing apparel for the past year or so, and I gotta say, I’ve been really impressed with everything I’ve tried. I love the way they design gear. They manage to strike a perfect balance between durable and functional but also comfortable and mobile. I stay warm and dry, but never feel cramped or restricted when I’m wading, casting, or rowing. I’ve enjoyed fishing in their apparel so much, I recently joined their team as an ambassador. We’ve even been working together on ways to translate their expertise with technical fly fishing apparel into gear that’s specifically designed for women, and I’m really excited about the progress we’ve made. If you haven’t already done so, go check them out at skwalafishing.com and see what they’re all about. Anchored listeners can get 10% off their first order with Skwala by using the code “anchored10” at check out.

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In this episode, I’m joined by Jonathan Antunez — a fly tyer, educator, and angler known for his deep knowledge of fixed-line fly fishing techniques, from Tenkara to Euro nymphing and beyond. What started as a trip to Yellowstone quickly turned into an obsession with the artistry, history, and mechanics behind fly fishing, eventually leading Jonathan down a path of studying centuries-old techniques and adapting them to modern waters.

We talk about the origins of fixed-line fishing, the forgotten traditions that shaped modern fly fishing, how subtle fly movement can change everything, and why Jonathan believes many anglers have lost touch with the deeper connection between rod, line, and fly. This one gets technical, historical, and surprisingly philosophical — and I think you’re going to enjoy it. 

Looking to go deeper with your learning? Come see what we’ve been working on at AnchoredOutdoors.com. We’ve built a library of 30 in-depth, sequentially organized Masterclasses taught by past guests of this podcast — and we’ve watched over 1,000 members grow their confidence and skills on the water. Want to check it out for free? No money down, no strings attached. Just head to anchoredoutdoors.com/premium-insiders/

Anchored listeners can get 10% off their first order with Skwala by using the code “anchored10” at check out. See for yourself at skwalafishing.com 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ben Sippola — also known as Benny-Sip—is a New Zealand-based writer whose work is rooted in rivers, fly fishing, and the spaces in between. A former professional footballer turned coach, he’s now the author of books like Wading in Jandals and A River Runs, and a regular contributor to The Fly Fish Journal. These days, he’s focused on writing raw, poetic prose that explores nature, identity, and what it means to pay attention. In this episode, we hear his story.

You may have noticed me wearing Skwala fishing apparel for the past year or so, and I gotta say, I’ve been really impressed with everything I’ve tried. I love the way they design gear. They manage to strike a perfect balance between durable and functional but also comfortable and mobile. I stay warm and dry, but never feel cramped or restricted when I’m wading, casting, or rowing. I’ve enjoyed fishing in their apparel so much, I recently joined their team as an ambassador. We’ve even been working together on ways to translate their expertise with technical fly fishing apparel into gear that’s specifically designed for women, and I’m really excited about the progress we’ve made. If you haven’t already done so, go check them out at skwalafishing.com and see what they’re all about. Anchored listeners can get 10% off their first order with Skwala by using the code “anchored10” at check out.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Anchored, we’re doing something a little different. I was recently a guest on the Outside podcast with PaddyO where we discussed some of the more… umm, unconventional aspects of fishing. I hope you enjoy our conversation. Find more from Paddy on iTunes, Spotify, or https://www.outsideonline.com/ 

You may have noticed me wearing Skwala fishing apparel for the past year or so, and I gotta say, I’ve been really impressed with everything I’ve tried. I love the way they design gear. They manage to strike a perfect balance between durable and functional but also comfortable and mobile. I stay warm and dry, but never feel cramped or restricted when I’m wading, casting, or rowing. I’ve enjoyed fishing in their apparel so much, I recently joined their team as an ambassador. We’ve even been working together on ways to translate their expertise with technical fly fishing apparel into gear that’s specifically designed for women, and I’m really excited about the progress we’ve made. If you haven’t already done so, go check them out at skwalafishing.com and see what they’re all about. Anchored listeners can get 10% off their first order with Skwala by using the code “anchored10” at check out.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices